Top Five Valentine's Day Restaurants in Toronto

Forget the polar vortex; Valentine's Day is about to turn up the heat in our chilly city. Shake off the winter blues, grab that special someone and head out to a romantic meal. If you're looking to impress, you can never go wrong with the usual fancy-pants establishments (Panaroma, Auberge du Pommier, Le Papillon On The Park, Scaramouche, etc.). But a wider variety of restaurants across the city are offering date night deals ranging from complimentary bubbly to prix fixe specials. Here are our fave five:

(photo: thedepanneur.ca)The Depanneur (1033a College St.; thedepanneur.ca)Best known for brunch, this cafe is also making a name for itself with its supper clubs featuring a cast of rotating chefs. On Valentine's Day, The Dep is hosting an extravagant and playful seven-course dinner built around a black, white a red colour palette, which will be curated by owner Len Senater and Chef Brad Kurtenbach. They will serve 10 couples and tickets are $80 (black, white and red dress code is encouraged).

(photo: instagram.com/thehotb)Home of the Brave (589 King St. W.; www.thehotb.com)Looking for a place that's more relaxed than romantic? This casual American-style restaurant is offering a fun V-Day feast that won't put a huge dent in your wallet. The $50 three-course prix fixe will be Italian-American themed and feature Juicy Lucy meatballs with polenta; sausages and peppers with mashed potatoes and gravy; smoked ricotta, beet and prosciutto salad; Tiramisu sundaes; unlimited breadsticks and more.

(Photo: lamaquette.com)La Maquette (111 King St. E.; lamaquette.com)If you're looking for something a bit more traditionally romantic, you can't get more elegant than this tried-and-true old school French restaurant. Prepare to marvel at La Maquette’s chandeliers, high ceilings, marble floors, baby grand piano and towering staircase, as well as their garden patio that overlooks sculptures and a waterfall. Your date will swoon as you devour classic French cuisine amid the elegant ambiance.

(Photo: brassaii.com)Brassaii (461 King St. W.; brassaii.com)Want something a little less stuffy to spice up your Valentine's Day? Head over to the Entertainment District and check out Brassaii's V-Day celebrations. This vibrant restaurant/lounge, which is nestled in a romantic cobblestone courtyard, is offering complimentary bubbly, a photo booth with romantic props, and dancing with music by Geoff Brown and Annalyze. Dinner begins at 6 p.m.; the party begins at 10 p.m.